You walk into your bathroom expecting calm, clean vibes, but instead, you’re greeted with something that smells… off. It’s one of those smells that makes you stop and wonder what’s hiding in there, is it water damage? Is it something else? Well, for the most part, bathrooms have a way of trapping odors, and the culprits aren’t always obvious.
Sure, you’d immediately think they would be, but it’s not always the case, however. But for the most part, the fix is fairly easy. So, with all of that said, here’s exactly what you need to know when it comes to fixing the common odors in your bathroom.
You’re Not Washing Your Bath Mat Often
Believe it or not, bath mats work hard. They soak up water, dirt, and everything your feet leave behind after a long day. And then they just sit there, damp and full of potential for funkiness. If it’s been a while since you gave your bath mat a proper wash, that could be where the smell is coming from.
Basically, you just need to throw it in the washing machine and let it dry completely. If the smell still lingers or it’s starting to look more “well-loved” than fresh, it’s time for a new one.
The Smell is Coming from Your Drains
While sure, drains might not be the first place you check, but they’re sneaky when it comes to bad smells. Just think about it, there’s soap scum, toothpaste, hair, and who-knows-what-else builds up over time, creating a nasty cocktail of gunk that sends out some serious stink vibes.
This is usually the most obvious, but at the same time, this is one that gets neglected way too often. So that’s seriously why you’re going to have to look into drain cleaning for your drains (ideally all of them in the house). Besides, a clean drain keeps the odors down and prevents clogs from making things worse. Plus, this helps prevent gnats too, and you’re saving yourself so much money and stress in the long run too.
There’s Mold Under the Caulk
Mold under bathroom caulk is one of those gross but common problems nobody talks about enough. While yes, caulk is supposed to seal things up, when it gets old, cracked, or discolored, it becomes the perfect hideout for mold. Some sealants are see-through, so you can see for yourself there’s mold, but for others (ones that are while) it can be hard to determine if it’s in there or not.
So, if your caulk is looking rough, it’s time for a refresh. Remove the old caulk, clean the area, and reapply with fresh, mold-resistant caulk. The job doesn’t take long, maybe one hour at maximum.
When Was the Last Time You Cleaned the Grout?
Grout doesn’t seem like a big deal until it starts smelling funky. But why? Well, because it’s porous, it soaks up water, dirt, and whatever else ends up in your bathroom. Over time, it can turn into a breeding ground for grime and odors. But scrubbing the grout with a cleaner can do wonders for getting rid of the smell. It’s seriously as simple as that.
